Basic information about the characteristics, uses, and implications of communication satellites is presented. Characteristics covered include the various types of systems--such as point-to-point, distribution, and broadcasting satellites--and the flexibility, capacity, geographical coverage, cost and disadvantages of satellites. The section on…

Communications technology that is or will soon be available can help create better opportunities for mass discussions about public issues. The hardware and software prerequisites for such discussions are: capacity to address participants, facilities for real-time dialogue between geographically dispersed groups, continuous feedback between…

New ways are needed for a citizen to participate actively in meaningful discussions of political issues. Telephone and cable television (CATV) facilities may help bring this about. For example a group of representatives could discuss some proposal for an hour and it could be broadcast over CATV or even radio several times during the day. Citizens…

Recognizing that communications satellites are capable of broadcasting programs for individual or community reception, and that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that everyone has the right to receive and impart information through any media regardless of frontiers, the following guiding principles are proclaimed: (1) Satellite…

Fiber optic communications (communications over very pure glass transmission channels of diameter comparable to a human hair) is an emerging technology which promises most improvements in communications capacity at reasonable cost. The fiber transmission system offers many desirable characteristics representing improvements over conventional…

This bulletin reviews early federal regulation of telegraphy, telephone, and radio communications, and the development of the Radio Acts of 1912 and 1927, the Communications Act of 1934, and the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. A large portion of the discussion focuses on the regulatory power and procedures of the Federal Communications…

Discusses the history, objectives, sponsorship, and services of the Canadian Communications Research Information Centre. (JY)

Describes an evaluation of Iowa's statewide teletype reference service operated primarily by library school students. (PF)

Brief essays on cable television, satellites, and other television opportunities are presented in this primer directed at higher education administrators and planners. Implications of the new technologies for education are suggested and key issues are highlighted. (LBH)

The Symphonie Experiment Study Group reports on the experimental use of the Symphonie Satellite to link UNESCO headquarters in Paris with the Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, during the nineteenth session of the General Conference. Evaluations are reported for the use of the satellite for telephone, telex, and facsimile communications. (JMF)

Describes an interactive cable television system set up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The modes studied are outbound voice and video with data return, and multipoint interactive video, each paired with concrete applications in the fields of adult education, parent education, and day care training. (JMF)

Describes the rapid growth of communication satellite program, and how technology was able to build more efficient and economical satellites. Gives a brief outlook on potential developments in this field. (GA)

Describes Seasat, a big satellite, launched for monitoring conditions at the top of the ocean. The Seasat's radar is called a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR). How it offers intriguing perspective on the world below is also presented. (HM)

Examines the key role that the press plays in the Middle East in achieving development objectives. (Editor/RK)

Experimental broadcasting satellites make possible a cooperative and inexpensive communications system for use in remote areas of the world. Considered are their historical background, news dissemination, the SITE Project in India, NASA's ATS satellites, satellite classroom instruction, and Caribbean interests. (LBH)